Contact: Paul Kincaid 202.225.4289 or 202.225.4025 Trudy Perkins 410.685.9199 or 202.225.4641
Cummings CommendsSmartGrid Funds To Improve Baltimore
Cummings CommendsSmartGrid Funds To Improve Baltimore
New electric grid technology will allow more efficient use of energy, make better use of renwables.
(Washington, DC) – Congressman Elijah E. Cummings was pleased to learn of the Federal investment that will be made to improve Maryland’s electrical grid, thanks to President Barack Obama’s commitment to SmartGrid technology. President Obama announced funding for the improvements at an appearance today in Florida.
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company will receive the largest grant in the federal investment package to fund Smart Grid technology. BG&E will be awarded $200 million to help fund a $451 million program to install 1.1 million digital meters and 400,000 in-home control devices and thermostats. The program will enable dynamic electricity pricing and expand the utility's direct load control program, which will enhance grid reliability and reduce congestion.
“As we create energy independence for Americans, we must upgrade the way we deliver that energy,” said Congressman Cummings. “I am pleased to see that President Obama is not only addressing the way we create electricity, but is improving our grid so that our generated electricity is used more efficiently and effectively.”
President Obama, during a visit to a solar energy facility in Arcadia, Fla., announced Tuesday that he is making available $3.4 billion in government support for 100 projects aimed at modernizing the power grid. The projects include installing "smart" electric meters in homes, automating utility substations, and installing thousands of new digital transformers and grid sensors. The $3.4 billion investment is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment worth over $8 billion.
White House officials provided details of the initiative prior to the president's scheduled visit to Florida Power & Light Co.'s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, the largest photovoltaic electricity facility in the country.
